Job interviews - is the written "thank you" letter dead?

Question

I have what I consider to be a very important job interview tomorrow; the sort that you want to make sure goes perfectly.

The interesting thing about this job is that so far, all of the correspondence has transpired online; the position required that you sent your resume via email, and afterwards, I was offered an interview over email as well.

My question is this: Growing up, I was always taught that it was proper to mail a written follow-up letter thanking the interviewer for their time, and to also give you another opportunity to say again how interested you are in the job.

I certainly plan on writing a thank-you letter after the interview tomorrow, but under the circumstances, should I send it out through regular mail, or email it?

I realize that "regular" mail is more etiquette-oriented, but we're living in a society of instant gratification... and this particular company seems to prefer online correspondence.

Any advice or insight?

Answer 1

Even though we are living in the "electronically driven age," it would be proper etiquette to send a "snail mail" thank you letter after your interview. If you have a successful interview, it will be a big positive addition to your new employee file.

It will be remembered as a positive occurrence. even if you do not get hired. If I was conducting interviews, and received a hand-written thank you from a candidate; that person would be in the positive column of my memory. This positive thought could lead to another job opportunity later on.

I have been in management and delt with hiring and found many employees through other managers who remember an interviewee because of a thank you, and have referred to person to me for consideration.

I have found several excellent employees in this manner. Best of luck to you, and remember that some values that may be considered "old fashioned," are still the best. Have a great day.

Answer 2

A written thank you letter is still the rule and should still be mailed by regular mail to the company.
You can send the thank you letter both to the email address and the regular mail address. But, sending it via email is considered tacky.
Personally, I think this company is cutting corners and is not all that great by only dealing with online correspondence.

I personally would send the thank you note only by regular mail.

Answer 3

You are right, growing up we were taught it was proper etiquette to mail a thank-you letter. But even then we were taught it should be typed neatly and professionally. That was back in the 1990's though!

Now businesses are looking ahead to the future and are becoming more of a paper-less society. Companies want to see that you are up to date and technology savvy. Though they have already corresponded via email for everything else and already know you can handle sending an email, you might as well stay consistent...and paper-less.

I suggest you send the thank-you via email.

Answer 4

Go with the email, but also snail mail the letter.

Never hurts to show up when they least expect. Be sure to send the letter the same day as the email.

Answer 5

I beleive that e-mail is a acceptable way to send your thank-you letter. Sending Thank-you letters has turned into something that is not commonly done anymore, but like you said it shows that you are interested in the position more than the next person interviewing after you for the same position. I hope it goes well.

Answer 6

Regular Postal mail. And, yes, I believe that it does make a positive impression.

Answer 7

Yeah, suck ups are only taken in by mediocre corporations that dont have a big pool of applicants to choose from. If you are applying to a big company just try to prove your skills rather than your gratefulness with the awful interview process you just went through,

Answer 8

I would write one and email it since that is how you have been communicating so far.

Answer 9

They are both fine as long as you respond with a thank you.